Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran is an internationally renowned musician, composer, music educator, and scholar who has consistently employed his knowledge and understanding of music to create works of art that build bridges across diverse communities and cultures. Centered on issues of relevance to humanity, Kanniks’ creations are grounded in history and spirituality, and integrate multidimensional storytelling with movement, visuals, chants, and ensemble music based on Indian ragas, in an overarching vision of no-otherness.

Kanniks skillfully uses the digital platform to communicate powerful messages through compelling videos on water awareness, music history, the history of yoga, etc. His musical documentary “Yog Darshan” has received praise from scholars such as Padma Bhushan Dr. R. Nagaswamy. His award-winning documentary film “Colonial Interlude” on the music of Muthuswami Dikshitar has been screened at prestigious venues and has received widespread acclaim.

Kanniks is the author of Anubhuti – Celebrating Muthusvami Dikshitar, the first comprehensive book on composer Muthusvami Dikshitar (1775-1835) during his 250th birth year, celebrating his life, music and legacy.

He is the recipient of the McKnight Residency Fellowship, the Ohio Heritage Fellowship, the Just Community Award, the Humanities Award from the Hindu American Foundation, the Distinguished Alumnus Award from IIT Madras, and several other accolades. He has taught graduate-level courses in Indian music theory and history as well as courses on creativity at the University of Cincinnati.